Graphical user interface

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for selection of characters to be displayed on a display screen. Has input actuators with associated fields containing graphical symbols representing the characters. The user is guided during selection of a character via the display. The selection procedure is sufficiently simple to allow a user to memorise the steps needed in order to select a specific character. Uses a limited number of actuators, and a character is selected using a sequence of actuations. Actuations may e.g. be keystrokes or movement by tactile pointing means on a touch sensitive device. Preferably, a character is selected by drawing one or two linear segments on a touch sensitive device. The displayed graphical symbols are preferably rearranged upon actuation. Suitable for use in electronic devices, in particular hand held devices having a small display screen, such as communication equipment, such as portable phones, e.g. mobile phones, or computers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a graphical user interface witha display screen for displaying graphical symbols in fields that may beselected by a user for input to an apparatus. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a graphical user interface allowing a largenumber of symbols to be selected for input to an apparatus utilising asmall number of fields, in particular for use in connection withcommunication equipment, such as portable phones and computers, e.g.with a WAP or a SMS interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The development of mobile phones and portable phones andcomputers with an interface operating according to the WirelessApplication Protocol (WAP) has increased the need for a user interfaceallowing a large number of options to be displayed on a small screen forselection, e.g., using a keyboard with a small number of keys.

[0003] It is well known to provide portable phones and computers with asmall display screen and a small keyboard, e.g., with a navigation keyto move a cursor on the display screen, so that a user is able to inputdata to the equipment and to select functions to be performed by theequipment. A large variety of approaches are known facilitatingselection of a large number of alphanumeric characters and functionsusing a small keyboard together with a small screen.

[0004] For example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,142, a user interface isdisclosed facilitating selection of a large number of characters with a4 by 3 numeric keyboard well-known from telephones. The selectablecharacters are displayed on a screen in three 3 by 3 matrices locatedadjacent to each other. The keys “.”, “0” and “#” are used fornavigation between the three matrices, activation of the “.” key causinga new alphabet to be displayed in the three matrices.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,454 discloses a user interface comprising avirtual keyboard. A keyboard is drawn on a screen and keys are activatedby positioning a cursor at the key to be activated, e.g. with a mouse,and clicking the mouse. Characters that require more than one key to beactivated in a physical keyboard are activated by positioning the cursorat the key to be activated and then drawing the key in a certaindirection.

[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,697, a keyboard with 16 keys is disclosed,wherein numerical digits can be selected with a single key activationwhile alphabetic characters and functions can be selected with asequence of two key activations.

[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,847, a user interface of a CAD system isdisclosed, having a virtual keyboard with keys that are selected with amouse controlled cursor. As in U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,697, numerical digitscan be selected with a single key activation while alphabetic charactersand functions can be selected with a sequence of two key activations.

[0008] EP 1 067 784 discloses a method of selecting alphanumericcharacters via a remote control. A first depression of one of thebuttons of the remote control causes the display on a screen of a numberof segments, each segment including a plurality of letters, numbersand/or characters and an identifying number or character for eachsegment. The depression of the appropriate number on the remote controlfor the selected segment, causes the visual display to change to showthe characters of the selected segment, each character positioned in asub-segment. Subsequent depression of the appropriate number on theremote control causes the selection of the corresponding character.

[0009] EP 0 889 388 discloses a data input interface. A subset ofcharacters is initially displayed on a touch sensor display. Respectivesubsets of the remaining characters of the alphabet are associated withthe displayed characters. The user, having a particular character inmind, selects the displayed character associated with the subsetcontaining the particular character. That subset is then displayed, andthe user selects the desired character.

[0010] GB 2 332 293 discloses an input device for inputting instructionsor data into an apparatus having a display. The display displays atleast one menu item as a plurality of subsequentially selectable submenuitems. Responsive to the selection of a submenu item, the displayindicates the selectability of the submenu items. A selector can be usedfor the subsequent selection of the submenu items and data orinstructions are input based on a selected menu item of submenu item.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Although many attempts have been made to facilitate userselection of an input among a large number of alphanumeric charactersand a large variety of functions on a small display screen with alimited set of display fields, there is still a need for an efficientuser interface providing a well-arranged display of available selectionsthat is easy to grasp and manage by a user. The user interface must beeasy to operate after a short learning period, yet able to perform allthe necessary single and combined data entries which will be required ina modern communication equipment, such as phones with a WAP interface, aSMS interface, etc. Furthermore, there is a need for a user interfacewhich trains the user during use, i.e. which does not require a separatelearning facility in order to teach the user how to use the interfaceand become an expert user.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention these andother objects are fulfilled by

[0013] a method of inputting data to an apparatus with an input devicecomprising a selector for selection of characters and having inputactuators with associated fields containing first graphical symbols, atleast one of the first graphical symbols indicating a first set ofalphabetic characters in alphabetic order, the apparatus furthercomprising a display screen, a symbol generator for displaying thefields containing the first set of graphical symbols in an arrangementon the display screen, and a controller that is operatively connected tothe symbol generator and the selector, the method comprising the stepsof:

[0014] actuation of an input actuator with an associated fieldcontaining a symbol indicating a first set of alphabetic characters inalphabetic order, and

[0015] allocation of each of the alphabetic characters in the first setof alphabetic characters to a specific input actuator so that actuationof that input actuator results in selection of the allocated alphabeticcharacter,

[0016] the steps being performed in such a way that a user is guided bythe apparatus during selection of an alphabetic character, and in such away that selection of a specific alphabetic character is sufficientlysimple to allow a user to memorise the selection procedure.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the invention the above-mentionedand other objects are fulfilled by an apparatus with an input devicecomprising a selector for selection of characters and having inputactuators with associated fields containing first graphical symbols,

[0018] characterised in that

[0019] the apparatus further comprises

[0020] a display screen,

[0021] a symbol generator for displaying the fields containing the firstset of graphical symbols in an arrangement on the display screen, and

[0022] a controller that is operatively connected to the symbolgenerator and the selector,

[0023] and in that at least one of the first graphical symbols indicatesa first set of alphabetic characters in alphabetic order and in thatactuation of the corresponding input actuator results in allocation ofeach of the alphabetic characters in the first set of alphabeticcharacters to a specific input actuator so that actuation of that inputactuator results in selection of the allocated alphabetic character, andin that the apparatus comprises means for guiding a user duringselection of an alphabetic character, and in that selection of specificalphabetic characters is sufficiently simple to allow a user to memorisethe selection procedure.

[0024] For example, the selector may comprise a keyboard with keysconstituting the input actuators. Further, the first graphical symbolsmay be printed on the respective keys.

[0025] The user is preferably guided during selection of an alphabeticcharacter by means of the display, preferably by displaying a smallnumber of well-arranged symbols or characters on the display in such away that it is easy to grasp which actuator should be actuated in orderto eventually reach a desired character. On the other hand, the systemis sufficiently simple that a skilled user can memorise the selectionprocedures for at least the characters which are most frequently used.This may, e.g., be achieved by providing an apparatus in which a smallnumber of operations is needed in order to select each character, theoperations being easy to memorise. Such operations may, e.g., be acombination of a few strokes on a keyboard, a combination of a fewactuations on a touch sensitive device, etc.

[0026] The apparatus may further comprise a sound generator forgeneration of a specific sound upon actuation of a correspondingactuator to provide audio feedback to the user of the apparatus of theactual actuation. The sound generator may be a sound transducer, such asa loud speaker, a piezoelectric transducer, etc. The specific sound maybe a specific tone, a sequence of specific tones, a specific chord, asequence of specific chords, etc., that is associated with actuation ofa specific actuator, such as movement of a moving cursor in a specificdirection as will be further described later.

[0027] The controller may be adapted to control the symbol generator todisplay a second set of graphical symbols in the fields in response toactuation of an actuator with an associated field with a symbol thatindicates a first set of alphabetic characters in alphabetic order, thesecond set of graphical symbols comprising graphical symbolscorresponding to the respective characters of the first set ofalphabetic characters.

[0028] As will be understood from the following discussion, thesefeatures permit an extremely simple and safe, yet very effective andadvanced, operation of the user interface.

[0029] It is an important advantage of the present invention thatdisplay of selectable symbols indicating a set of alphabetic charactersin alphabetic order provides a clear indication of the options that willbe available to the user upon activation of the symbol in question.Hereby very little support from the memory of the user is required.However, the operations needed in order to select a specific characteris preferably easy to memorise for the skilled user.

[0030] It is a further advantage of the present invention that it ispossible to type any character 25 which is immediately available from aconventional keyboard of a computer or typewriter. Furthermore, specialcharacters, such as “524 ”, “ø”, “å”, “£”, space, etc., as well asstrings of characters, such as “. (space)” “carriage return, line feed”,etc., may be selected just as easily as any other character. Thus,according to the present invention a smaller number of operations isneeded in order to select a desired character, as compared to prior artmethods.

[0031] The display screen may be any screen that is suitable fordisplaying alphanumeric characters and other symbols in an arrangement,such as a matrix arrangement. For example, the display screen may be aLCD screen, a CRT, a plasma screen, a TFT screen, etc., and further thescreen may be touch sensitive.

[0032] The graphical symbols may be alphanumeric characters, Greekcharacters, Cyrillic characters, Japanese characters, Chinesecharacters, mathematical symbols and operators, icons, etc. Further, thegraphical symbols may be constituted by any sequence of such charactersand combinations of such characters, e.g. “a-g”, “h-n”, “o-u”, etc.

[0033] A selectable graphical symbol may be displayed in a distinctfield that may be graphically distinguished from its surroundings bymeans of, e.g., a boundary, a background colour, a background pattern,etc., or any combination of such graphical distinguishing features.

[0034] The selector may comprise a touch sensitive device, such as atouch sensitive screen, in which case a specific directional movement onsaid touch sensitive device by a tactile pointing means corresponds toselection of a specific actuator.

[0035] The tactile pointing means may be a pen or a stylus, or it maysimply be a finger. In this embodiment a character may be selected by acouple of simple strokes, preferably by drawing a few substantiallylinear segments on the touch sensitive device.

[0036] The apparatus may be a hand held apparatus, such as a portablephone or computer, in which case the touch sensitive device may bepositioned on a surface of the apparatus being opposite the surfaceexhibiting the display. In case the apparatus is a portable phone, thetouch sensitive device may positioned on the back side of the phone,i.e. the side opposite to the side where the display and the keys arepositioned. Thus, a user may easily select characters to be displayed onthe display while holding the phone in his/her hand, using a finger ofthe hand holding the phone, while at the same time viewing the display.This applies in a similar way to other hand held apparatuses.

[0037] Alternatively, the selector may comprise a number of keyscorresponding to the actuators, in which case actuation of a specifickey corresponds to actuation of the corresponding actuator, and saidkeys are positioned on a surface of the apparatus being opposite thesurface exhibiting the display. The remarks set forth above applyequally in this case.

[0038] One or more of the second symbols may indicate a second set ofalphabetic characters in alphabetic order and the controller may befurther adapted to control the symbol generator to display graphicalsymbols corresponding to the characters of the second set of alphabeticcharacters in response to the selection of such a symbol.

[0039] The second set of alphabetic characters may be a case shiftedversion of the first set of alphabetic characters of the selected firstsymbol. For example, if the selected first set of characters is “o-u”(lower case), one of the second symbols may be “O-U” (upper case).Preferably the second symbol “O-U” is positioned at the same relativeposition in the matrix arrangement as the first symbol “o-u” for furtherease of operation.

[0040] The displayed symbols may be arranged on the display screen inany suitable arrangement providing a well-arranged and clear display ofoptions available to the user. In this manner the user is guided duringthe selection of a character in an efficient and easy to grasp manner.Preferably, the displayed symbols are arranged in a matrix arrangement,e.g., exhibiting rows and columns. It has been found that a 3 by 3matrix arrangement provides a clear display of options that iswell-suited for the display screen of a portable or mobile phone.

[0041] The selector may comprise a keyboard with keys having relativepositions in the keyboard that correspond to the relative positions ofdisplayed symbols in the arrangement on the display screen. In thiscase, each of the displayed fields containing a selectable symbolconstitutes an input actuator which is activated by activation of thekey with the corresponding position in the keyboard.

[0042] The selector may comprise a touch sensitive device, such as atouch sensitive display screen or plate, allowing a graphical symbol tobe selected by any kind of external interaction with the fieldcontaining the symbol. The selection is suitably performed using atactile pointing means, such as simply a finger or pointer touchingand/or pressing against at least part of the area occupied by the fieldcontaining the symbol to be selected. Thus, each of the displayed fieldscontaining a selectable symbol constitutes an input actuator which isactivated by tactile pointing means.

[0043] Alternatively, the selector may comprise a moveable cursor thatis displayed on the display screen, a cursor controller for manuallycontrolling the position of the cursor on the display screen, and aclick actuator for selection of the symbol at the current cursorposition. The cursor controller may be a mouse, a track ball, adigitising pen, a light pen operating directly on the display screen, akeyboard, a part of a keyboard, a touch sensitive plate, etc. The clickactuator may be a switch positioned on the mouse, track ball, digitisingpen, light pen, keyboard, etc. When the cursor controller is a touchsensitive plate, a tactile pointing means, such as simply a finger,touching and/or lightly pressing against the touch sensitive plate isused to move the cursor on the display screen by moving the pointingmeans in the direction of desired cursor movement. In this case a clickactuator is not necessary since the selection of a character may beperformed by simply interrupting the connection between the tactilepointing means and the touch sensitive plate, i.e. by simply lifting thetactile pointing means. Alternatively to displaying the cursor on thedisplay, a line segment connecting a centre point and the current cursorposition may be displayed. Additionally, one or more of the previouslydrawn line segments may be displayed, so as to display the line segmentscorresponding to the character which is currently being selected. Thus,the line segments shown when a character has been selected correspondsto the line segments which it is necessary to draw in order to selectthat character again. This helps the user to acquire expert skills sinceit visualises the typing process.

[0044] Alternatively, the selector may comprise any combination of theabove, e.g. a keyboard as well as a touch sensitive device. Thus, a usermay choose whether he/she wishes to use the keyboard or the touchsensitive device for the selection procedure. When the user is in a‘relaxed’ environment, e.g. at home, at the desk in the office, etc.,he/she may choose the touch sensitive device since this may be quicker.When the user is in a more ‘disturbing’ environment, such as a train, abus or in another environment in which vibrations or other disturbancesmakes it difficult to use the touch sensitive device in a sufficientlyaccurate manner, the user may choose to use the keyboard instead inorder to minimise the errors during selection of characters.Furthermore, it may be desirable to use the keyboard rather than thetouch sensitive device in case the user is wearing gloves.

[0045] Selection of an input to the apparatus is preferably performed bypositioning the cursor within the boundary of a specific symbol, e.g. aspecific character, and actuating the click actuator. When a touchsensitive plate is used, a symbol is selected for input to the apparatusby, e.g., increasing the pressure against the touch sensitive plate,decreasing the pressure, or completely removing the pressure, the clickactuator being constituted by the area of the touch sensitive platereceiving the increased/decreased/removed pressure. Thus, each of thedisplayed fields containing a symbol selectable for input constitutes aninput actuator which is activated by positioning a cursor in therespective field and actuating the click actuator.

[0046] Preferably, symbols that upon selection result in display offields containing a new set of symbols are selected simply bypositioning of the cursor within the boundaries of the respectivefields. More preferred, such symbols are selected by positioning thecursor within a part of the area occupied by the respective field of thesymbol to be selected. For example, in a 3 by 3 matrix of fieldscontaining symbols, when a new image of fields with symbols isdisplayed, the cursor is typically positioned at the centre field. A newsymbol may be selected by moving the cursor outside the boundaries of anoctagon that is larger than and covers the centre field before selectionis enabled. Hereby, selection of fields positioned at the corners of the3 by 3 matrix is facilitated. Likewise, if the cursor is positioned at afield with a symbol that may be selected with actuation of the clickactuator, i.e. a field with an alphanumeric character, and the operatorof the apparatus does not want to select that symbol, a new symbol maybe selected by moving the cursor outside the boundaries of an octagonthat is larger than and covers the current field. Thus, when the cursoris positioned within the boundaries of a field with a symbol thatdesirably is not selected, another symbol may be selected by moving thecursor outside a polygon, e.g. an octagon, that is greater than andcovers the field currently containing the cursor. Hereby, a hysteresisis provided that makes selection easier to perform. The polygon need notbe a regular polygon, for example if the fields are rectangular, thepolygon preferably has a height to width ratio that corresponds to theheight to width ratio of a field.

[0047] Alternatively, the boundaries for defining the selection areaneed not form a polygon. Other shapes which allow easy discriminationare also feasible. Thus, the shape could, e.g., be such that theapparent angular opening of each selection possibility is similar. Theboundaries may, e.g., follow a parabolic curve. Furthermore, in order toease selection, the scaling, e.g. the movement of the tactile pointingmeans and the movement of the cursor on the display, might beanisotropic. Typically, the x-axis may be scaled between 1.4 and 1.6times while the y-axis is not scaled, thus mapping a square on the touchsensitive device into a rectangular shape on the display area. Thismakes it easier for the user to discriminate by pointing in differentdirections with the finger.

[0048] In the field of computers, it is well known to use contextsensitive menus that are activated by actuation of a click actuator,such as a click of the right button on a mouse. Upon activation, a menuthat is related to the actual user context is displayed. Likewise, thedisplay of the apparatus according to the present invention may be usedfor a specific purpose, such as display of a string of previouslyselected characters that have been input to the apparatus; untilactuation of a specific input actuator, such as touching of a touchsensitive plate or display, activation of a cursor controller, etc. Uponsuch actuation the first set of graphical symbols is displayed in thedisplay. When a new character has been selected, as previouslydescribed, the new character is appended to the string of previouslyselected characters and the updated string is displayed. Thus, thepresent invention has the inherent capability to allow use of thedisplay in a manner alternating between the text being written and themeans for inputting new characters, and the alternation may be performedby the actuation of a specific actuator, similar to the manner in whichcontext sensitive menus are normally used in the field of computers.

[0049] The cursor controller may comprise a key for movement of thecursor one step in a specific direction in the matrix arrangement. Forexample, the cursor controller may comprise eight separate keys formoving the cursor one step to the “east”, “south-east”, “south”,“south-west”, “west”, “north-west”, “north”, and “north-east”respectively in the matrix arrangement. If the keys used are designatednumeric values as well, then these values might be used to indicate thedirection, e.g. if a numeric keypad arrangement is used with the numbers1-9, then direction “1” might be the same as “north-west”, the direction“2” might be the same as “north”, etc. The key “5”, in this embodiment,does not correspond to any direction, but might still be used as anactivation means. Using such a keyboard facilitates memorising of thedirections by using the numeric values. Thus, it might be easier toaccomplish ‘expert skills’ using this embodiment. Alternatively, thecursor controller may comprise a key having a plurality of pressuresensitive regions for individual selection of the desired direction ofcursor movement.

[0050] Upon selection of a specific symbol from the first set ofgraphical symbols, a second set of symbols may be displayed in anarrangement that is similar to the arrangement of the first set ofsymbols. The cursor may automatically be re-positioned at the centre ofthe arrangement, or the cursor may be maintained at the same relativeposition in the arrangement of the displayed set of graphical symbols asthe position of the selected symbol in the arrangement of the previouslydisplayed set of symbols.

[0051] At start-up, the input actuators are associated with fieldscontaining first graphical symbols. The fields may for example bedisplayed on a display screen. Upon selection of symbols new graphicalsymbols are allocated to the input actuators as for example displayed onthe display screen. The apparatus may comprise an input actuator forre-allocating the fields containing the first graphical symbols to therespective input actuators, e.g. thereby displaying the start-up imageon the display again. This allows the user to abandon previousselections without inputting data to the apparatus.

[0052] Likewise, at least three consecutive actuations of one of theinput actuators with associated fields containing first graphicalsymbols may result in re-allocation of the fields containing the firstgraphical symbols to the respective input actuators. Thus, in theexample with a display, e.g., three or four consecutive selections ofthe same actuator leads to display of the start-up image. Again thisallows the user to browse through the layers of selections and abandonprevious selections without inputting data to the apparatus.

[0053] It is preferred that upon selection of an individual character,the fields containing the first graphical symbols are re-allocated tothe respective input actuators. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment with adisplay, the start-up image is displayed upon selection of a characterfor input to the apparatus.

[0054] At least one of the fields containing graphical symbols andassociated with respective input actuators may remain unchanged uponactivation of a specific input actuator. For example, as furtherdescribed with reference to FIG. 4, the input actuators may function asnumerical keys during inputting of a decimal number to the keyboard, orspecific input actuators may function as navigation (i.e. arrow) keysfor a cursor during movement of the cursor.

[0055] The apparatus may further comprise an input actuator forswitching between a first graphical symbol and a second graphical symbolin a field. For example, as further described below with reference toFIG. 4, an input actuator may cause shifting between upper and lowercase symbols displayed in the fields.

[0056] A field may contain a string of characters, such as “point,space”, for selection by actuation of the corresponding actuator.

[0057] Further, a field may contain a string of control characters, suchas “carriage return, line feed” for selection by actuation of thecorresponding actuator.

[0058] The selected characters may be appended successively in a stringof characters that are input to the apparatus, and the string ofselected characters may be displayed on the display, e.g. in a specificarea of the display. Alternatively, the string may be displayed in anarea of the display also used for display of the fields associated withinput actuators. In this case, the string is displayed upon selection ofa character. The fields may then be displayed again upon activation ofan input actuator. Thus, the display may alternate between displayingthe string of selected characters and the fields containing graphicalsymbols. This is very desirable when using small apparatuses, such asmobile phones, portable computers etc., where only a limited amount ofspace is available for display purposes. In this case the display isnormally relatively small, and it is a great advantage that the displayarea is reused.

[0059] An edit cursor may be provided within the string of selectedcharacters, and an input actuator may further be provided with anassociated field containing a symbol of a cursor control character forcontrolling the positioning of the edit cursor in the string of selectedcharacters by actuation of the input actuator. If the input device ofthe apparatus comprising a pointing device, the edit cursor may bedirectly controlled by the pointing device. Thus, if a pointing device,such as a touch sensitive plate, is used for input, the edit cursormight be controlled directly such that text can be added or deleted atthe position of the edit cursor.

[0060] The set of characters may preferably be specifically tailored tosuit the geographic area in which the apparatus is intended for use.Thus, it can be adapted to a specific national set of characters inorder to avoid frequent use of accents. Thus, when the user is German itshould be possible to write the letters β, ä, ö, and ü directly.Similarly, if the user is Danish, it should be possible to write theletters æ, ø, and å directly, etc.

[0061] It is seen that in an embodiment of the present inventioncomprising a cursor and a cursor controller, a specific symbol, such asan alphabetic character, is selected by drawing a graphical signconstituted by one or two linear segments with the cursor. Thus, a usermay enter words and numbers by drawing simple graphical signs on thetouch sensitive device in a simple handwriting way. This will enable theuser to quickly learn how to enter specific symbols without referring tothe displayed symbols whereby an extremely efficient and easy to learnuser interface is provided. In embodiments comprising a sound generator,a specific sound, such as a specific tone, may be generated for eachlinear segment drawn by the cursor. For example, a first tone may begenerated upon drawing a vertical line to the north, a second sound maybe generated upon drawing a horizontal line to the east, etc. Thus, in a3 by 3 matrix, each selection of a symbol for input to the apparatusresults in generation of a unique sound signature, such as a sequence oftwo or three tones.

[0062] The invention is well adapted for use in communication equipment,e.g. with a WAP interface, equipped with a small screen, such as atelephone, such as a mobile phone, a portable phone, etc., a remotecontroller, e.g. for video or audio equipment, or for other houseappliances, a portable computer, a portable electronic calendar, etc.

[0063] The invention may also be advantageously applied in systems withuser interfaces incorporating a large display screen or a large keyboardto adapt the system for use by a disabled person who can only operate asmall part of the keyboard or use a small part of the display screen, orwho needs a crude resolution on the screen due to visual impairment.

[0064] Further, the invention may also be advantageously applied insystems with user interfaces that are adapted for use by disabled users,for example systems with pointing plates, or pointers that are moved bythe head or a foot, etc.

[0065] Further, the invention may be used as a communication means forblind people. Because it is very simple to learn to enter characters bymeans of a few strokes by a tactile pointing means on a touch sensitivedevice or by means of a few simple keyboard operations, blind peoplecould easily acquire the necessary skills, and, thus, be able to typequickly using the invention. Furthermore, an audio feedback would inthis case be very useful since this would provide the user with thepossibility of checking whether errors occur during the typing. Thepresent invention might also constitute a new means for reading as analternative to the Braille alphabet. The characters may basically beformed by one or two connected vector(s) which might be implemented incuneiform or using a dot for the starting point on the line which mightbe sensed similar to Braille.

[0066] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided anapparatus with an input device comprising a selector for selection ofcharacters and having input actuators with associated fields containinggraphical symbols, the apparatus further comprising a display screen anda symbol generator for displaying the fields containing the first set ofgraphical symbols in an arrangement on the display screen

[0067] characterised in that

[0068] the display is positioned on a first surface of the apparatus,and

[0069] the selector is positioned on a second surface of the apparatus,said second surface being arranged opposite said first surface.

[0070] Thus, according to this aspect of the invention, the display andthe selector are positioned on opposite surfaces of the apparatus, e.g.a ‘front surface’ and a ‘back surface’ of the apparatus, respectively.

[0071] The selector may comprise a touch sensitive device, such as atouch sensitive display and/or a number of keys, e.g. arranged in akeyboard.

[0072] In ordinary small electronic devices, such as mobile phones, WAPphones, palmtop computers, pocket calculators and/or remote controlunits for electronic appliances, the selector, i.e. the touch sensitivedevice and/or the keys, is often organised below the display on thefront of the device. Therefore, the device has to be large enough toaccommodate a display as well as a selector on one side of the device.Alternatively, the display and/or the selector is/are made relativelysmall in order to make the whole device smaller. According to thepresent invention, however, the display and the selector are positionedon opposite surfaces of the apparatus. Therefore the apparatus may bemade smaller without sacrificing the size of either the display or theselector. Alternatively, the display and/or the selector may be madelarger without increasing the overall size of the apparatus.

[0073] It is a great advantage that the finger of the person operatingthe apparatus does not obscure the display or the keys labels since thismakes it more clear which key will be selected by a certain operation,thus minimising the risk of erroneous selections or operations.

[0074] An apparatus according to this aspect of the invention is veryeasily and naturally operated by one hand since the operator can easilyoperate the selector positioned on the ‘back surface’ of the apparatuswhile looking at the display positioned on the ‘front surface’ of theapparatus.

[0075] The display preferably shows the selection possibilities to theuser, e.g. in a matrix arrangement corresponding to the selector on theopposite side. Thus, the display operates as labelling for theactuators, e.g. keys.

[0076] A cursor may be displayed on the display, said cursor indicatingthe operations performed by means of the selector.

[0077] In case the selector comprises a touch sensitive device, it maybe operated using a finger for pointing while the cursor shows thecurrent position of the finger on the display. When the cursor ispointing at a certain key label this may be selected, e.g. by pressingharder or by removing the finger from the touch sensitive device.

[0078] At least the display and the selector may be made from atransparent material. Preferably, any components etc. which might bepositioned between the display and the selector is also made from atransparent material, thus making the apparatus transparent, at least ina region containing the display and the selector. Thus, the operator cansimultaneously look at the display and the movements of his/her fingeron the selector.

[0079] The apparatus is preferably adapted for use in a hand helddevice, such as a mobile phone or a remote controller, e.g. a remotecontroller for audio or video equipment.

[0080] I may be possible to tailor the apparatus ‘on the fly’ fordifferent applications, e.g. the TV loads the programme for a remotecontroller into a mobile phone, e.g. using wireless technology similarto the technology used when browsing the Internet on a computer. Thus,the mobile phone may be used as remote controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] The invention will now be described in greater detail withreference to the drawings, in which

[0082]FIG. 1 shows a blocked schematic of a first embodiment of thepresent invention,

[0083]FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of the first embodiment of thepresent invention,

[0084]FIG. 3 illustrates how signs of selected characters are drawn bycursor movement, and

[0085]FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0086]FIG. 1 shows a blocked schematic of an input device or a userinterface 10 according to the present invention. The input device 10comprises a display screen 60, and a symbol generator 50 for displayinga first set of graphical symbols 70 in an arrangement, in thisembodiment a 3 by 3 matrix arrangement, on the display screen 60. It hasbeen found that a 3 by 3 matrix arrangement provides a clear display ofoptions that is well-suited for the display screen of a portable ormobile phone. Each of the selectable graphical symbols 70 is displayedin a distinct field that is graphically distinguished from itssurroundings by means of a boundary forming a rectangle.

[0087] The input device 10 further comprises a selector 20 for selectionof a symbol among symbols 70 displayed on the display screen 60. Theselector 20 comprises a moveable cursor (not shown) that is displayed onthe display screen, and a touch sensitive plate for manually controllingthe position of the cursor on the display screen. The touch sensitiveplate may for example be mounted at the back of communication equipment,e.g. at the back of a mobile phone. A tactile pointing means 80, such assimply a finger 80 as indicated in FIG. 1, touching and/or lightlypressing against the touch sensitive plate is used to move the cursor onthe display screen 60 by moving the finger in the direction of desiredcursor movement. When the cursor is positioned within the boundary of aspecific symbol to be selected for input to the apparatus, that symbolmay be selected, e.g., simply by stopping touching the plate, or byincreasing the pressure against the touch sensitive plate.

[0088] The input device 10 further comprises a controller 40 that isoperatively connected to the symbol generator 50 and the selector 20. Asfurther described below with reference to FIGS. 2X, the controller 40 isadapted to control the symbol generator 50 to display a second set ofgraphical symbols in response to a selection of a symbol 70 from thefirst set of graphical symbols. Such a selection is performed simply bypositioning of the cursor within the boundaries of the respectivefields. In the present example, a symbol 70 may be selected by movingthe cursor outside the boundaries of an octagon surrounding the presentfield before the said selection is enabled. Hereby, especially selectionof fields positioned at the corners of the 3 by 3 matrix is facilitated.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment some of the symbols 70 of the firstset of symbols indicates a first set of alphabetic characters inalphabetic order, i.e. h-n, o-u, w-ø, a-g. The second set of graphicalsymbols displayed in response to the selection of one of these symbolscomprises graphical symbols corresponding to the characters of theselected first set of alphabetic characters.

[0090]FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of the first embodiment of theinvention wherein selectable graphical symbols 70 are displayed in a 3by 3 matrix 100. FIG. 2 illustrates selection of characters typicallyprovided on a standard Danish keyboard which is similar to an Englishkeyboard with addition of the three national characters “æ”, “ø”, and“å” in both lower case and upper case versions.

[0091] The start-up image 100 displayed on the display screen 60 isshown at the centre of FIG. 2 and contains a first set of graphicalsymbols 70 in a 3 by 3 matrix arrangement. As indicated in FIG. 2, it ispossible to select any alphabetic character, the digits 0-9, and 25various other keyboard symbols, such as “.”, “,”, “;”, space, etc. Theeight second display images 110-180 shown adjacent to and surroundingthe start-up display image 100 are images that are displayed on thedisplay screen 60 upon selection of the corresponding symbols 70 indisplay image 100 as indicated by the corresponding lines connectingdisplay image 100 and respective second display images 110-180. Theeight second display images 110-180 contain the respective second setsof graphical symbols to be displayed in response to a selection of thecorresponding symbol from the first set of symbols 100.

[0092] For example, if the symbol “h-n” is selected, the second image110 immediately above and to the left of the centre image 100 will bedisplayed, wherein each of the characters h, i, j, k, l, m, and n isdisplayed in a separate field for individual selection. When the newimage 110 is displayed, the cursor is automatically repositioned to thecentre of the image, i.e. in this example the cursor is re-positioned at“h”. If it is desired to select the letter “j”, the cursor is moved downto “j” and the symbol “j” is selected, e.g., simply by stop touching theplate as previously described.

[0093] It should be noted that each of the second sets of graphicalsymbols displayed in second display images 110, 120, 130, and 180contains a symbol that is a case shifted version of the first set ofalphabetic characters of the selected first symbol. For example insecond display image 110, one of the displayed fields contains a symbol“H-N” for selection of the previously selected characters in upper case.The symbol “H-N” is positioned at the same relative position in thedisplayed image as the previously selected symbol “h-n” so that theupper case characters can be selected by continuing the movement of thecursor in the same direction as the previous direction of cursormovement that lead to the actual symbol selection. Thus, to selectcapital “J”, the cursor is moved from its centre position in image 100“north-west” to the symbol “h-n” and the symbol “h-n” is selected. Inthe new 20 second displayed image 110, the cursor is moved further“north-west” to the symbol “H-N” that is selected, and in the thirddisplay image 190, the cursor is moved “south-west” to the symbol “J”that is selected.

[0094] In a first mode of operation, the start-up image 100 is displayedwith the cursor automatically re-positioned at the centre of thestart-up image 100 ready for selection of the next desired characterupon selection of an individual character, such as “A”, “=”, “£”, etc.,or the selection of a combination of characters, such as “. (space)”162, or “, (space)” 164.

[0095] It should be noted that a previously displayed image may bedisplayed again by moving the cursor in the opposite direction of theprevious cursor movement. For example in 30 second display image 110,moving the cursor from its centre position at the symbol “h” to thenorth-west symbol “H-N” and selecting this symbol results in the displayof third display image 190. Moving the cursor back in directionsouth-east from symbol “H” to symbol “h-n” and selecting this symbolresults in the re-display of second display image 110. This allows theuser to browse the symbols available for selection without performing aselection. Similarly, if the input actuators are constituted by keyboardkeys, a previously displayed image may be selected by actuation of a keythat is a mirror of the previously actuated key with respect to a centreof the keyboard. For example, in a 3 by 3 keyboard, if an image isdisplayed upon actuation of the north-west key, the previously displayedimage may be displayed again by actuation of the south-east key.

[0096] Selection of symbol 76 results in display of image 100. It shouldbe noted that symbol 76 is positioned so that three successive movementsof the cursor in the same direction from image 100 results in re-displayof image 100 without a selection of a character. Similarly, if the inputactuators are constituted by keyboard keys, three consecutive actuationsof the same key may result in re-display of image 100.

[0097] The selected characters may be appended in a character string,e.g. for transmission as a SMS message. The character string may beshowed in a separate area of the display 60, or in the same display areaof the display 60 where the first set of graphical symbols 70 is shown.The character string may be scrolled by selection of correspondingscroll symbols from one of the displayed set of graphical symbols 220.To delete a character that has been appended to the character string,the backspace symbol 151 of image 150 may be selected. Further, an editcursor may be displayed within the displayed character string to allowediting of the character string, and input actuators 222, 224, 226, 228may be provided for movement of the edit cursor.

[0098] It should be noted that the input device may be adapted todisplay any desired number of selectable graphical symbols by adaptingthe system to display further new images with new sets of symbols uponselection of displayed symbols of the currently displayed image thathave previously been described to lead to selection of an input to theapparatus. For example in FIG. 2 four optional third display images 200,210, 220, 230 are shown. Further (not shown in FIG. 2), selection ofspecific symbols displayed in a third display image may lead to displayof a fourth display image with a fourth set of selectable graphicalsymbols, etc.

[0099] The input device may operate in a second mode of operation thatis different from the first mode described previously. For example, uponselection of one of the edit cursor arrows 222, 224, 226, 228 displayedin third display image 220 for navigation of the edit cursor within thetext string being input to the apparatus, the third display image 220 isdisplayed until the desired edit cursor position is obtained bysequential selections of the appropriate arrow symbols 222, 224, 226,228 and the apparatus returns to the first mode upon selection of thesymbol 76 and the start-up image 100 is displayed.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, themovement of the edit cursor may be controlled with a small keyboard with8 separate logic keys for moving the edit cursor one step to the “east”,“south-east”, “south”, “south-west”, “west”, “north-west”, “north”, and“north-east” in the matrix arrangement, or the keyboard may contain asingle key with 8 pressure sensitive regions for individual selection ofthe desired direction of edit cursor movement.

[0101] In FIG. 3 character selection is illustrated in another way tomore clearly show how selected characters are drawn by movement of thecursor. It is shown that a specific symbol, such as “s”, and “P”, isselected by drawing a graphical sign constituted by two linear segmentswith the cursor. Thus, a user may enter words and numbers by drawingsimple signs constituted by one or two linear segments on the inputdevice. This will enable the user to quickly learn how to enter specificsymbols without referring to the displayed symbols whereby an extremelyefficient and easy to learn user interface is provided.

[0102] It should be noted that repeated drawing of a graphical signselects the same character, regardless of the starting point for themovement on the display screen.

[0103]FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of another apparatus according tothe invention with a selector 200 that includes a 3 by 3 keyboard 202 ofthe type typically provided with a telephone, such as a mobile phone.The selector 200 further includes three keys 205, 206, 207 designatedmode keys 204. Selected characters are appended to a string ofcharacters that is displayed in a specific area of the display screen ofthe apparatus.

[0104] Selectable graphical symbols are displayed in 3 by 3 matrices asindicated in frames 210, 220, and 230. Upon initiation of the apparatus,frame 220 is displayed on the display of the apparatus. Activation ofmode key 205 toggles the display between frame 220 and 230, andactivation of mode key 207 toggles the display between frame 210 andactual frame 220 or 230.

[0105] When frame 210 is displayed, one of the digits 1-9 may beselected by pressing the corresponding one of the selector keys 202.Pressing key 206 results in selection of digit 0.

[0106] When frame 220 or 230 is displayed, key 206 acts as a space key.

[0107] The possible character selections when frame 220 is displayed areillustrated in FIG. 4b, frames 221-229. For example, if key “5jkl” ispressed, frame 225 is displayed and thus, pressing key “6mno” leads toselection of the character “)”.

[0108] It should be noted that control characters are included in theset of selectable characters, e.g. pressing key “5jkl” twice when frame220, or 230, is displayed results in selection of control characters“carriage return” and “line feed”.

[0109] It is also possible to select a string of characters. Forexample, pressing key “8tuv” twice when frame 220 is displayed resultsin selection of a character string consisting of “.”, “space”, and“upper case”. This string is intended for selection at the end of asentence since a “.” is often followed by a space and the first letterof the next sentence starts with a capital character.

[0110] The possible character selections when frame 230 is displayed areillustrated in the lower part of FIG. 4 in frames 231-239. For example,if key “2abc” is pressed, frame 232 is displayed and thus, pressing key“3def” leads to selection of the character “C”.

1. An apparatus with an input device comprising a selector for selectionof characters and having input actuators with associated fieldscontaining first graphical symbols, characterised in that the apparatusfurther comprises a display screen, a symbol generator for displayingthe fields containing the first set of graphical symbols in anarrangement on the display screen, and a controller that is operativelyconnected to the symbol generator and the selector, and in that at leastone of the first graphical symbols indicates a first set of alphabeticcharacters in alphabetic order and in that actuation of thecorresponding input actuator results in allocation of each of thealphabetic characters in the first set of alphabetic characters to aspecific input actuator so that actuation of that input actuator resultsin selection of the allocated alphabetic character, and in that theapparatus comprises means for guiding a user during selection of analphabetic character, and in that selection of specific alphabeticcharacters is sufficiently simple to allow a user to memorise theselection procedure.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a sound generator for generation of a specific sound uponactuation of a corresponding actuator.
 3. An apparatus according toclaim 1 or 2, wherein the selector comprises a keyboard with keysconstituting the input actuators.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3,wherein the first graphical symbols are printed on the respective keys.5. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein thecontroller is adapted to control the symbol generator to display asecond set of graphical symbols in the fields in response to actuationof an actuator with an associated field with a symbol that indicates afirst set of alphabetic characters in alphabetic order, the second setof graphical symbols comprising graphical symbols corresponding to therespective characters of the first set of alphabetic characters.
 6. Anapparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the selectorcomprises a touch sensitive device, and wherein a specific directionalmovement on said touch sensitive device by a tactile pointing meanscorresponds to selection of a specific actuator.
 7. An apparatusaccording to claim 6, said apparatus being a hand held apparatus,wherein the touch sensitive device is positioned on a surface of theapparatus being opposite the surface exhibiting the display.
 8. Anapparatus according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the selector comprisesa number of keys corresponding to the actuators, and wherein actuationof a specific key corresponds to actuation of the correspondingactuator, wherein said keys are positioned on a surface of the apparatusbeing opposite the surface exhibiting the display.
 9. An apparatusaccording to any of claims 5-8, wherein the fields containing the firstset of graphical symbols are displayed upon actuation of a specificactuator.
 10. An apparatus according to any of claims 5-9, wherein atleast one second symbol of the second set of symbols indicates a secondset of alphabetic characters in alphabetic order and wherein thecontroller is further adapted to control the symbol generator to displaygraphical symbols in the fields corresponding to the respectivecharacters of the second set of alphabetic characters in response toactuation of the actuator with the associated field containing the atleast one second symbol.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, whereinthe second set of alphabetic characters is a case shifted version of thefirst set of alphabetic characters of the selected first symbol.
 12. Anapparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second symbol is displayedat the same relative position in the arrangement as the selected firstsymbol.
 13. An apparatus according to any of claims 5-12, wherein thearrangement constitutes a 3 by 3 matrix.
 14. An apparatus according toany of claims 5-13 as dependant on claims 2 or 3, wherein thearrangement of displayed symbols corresponds to a key matrix arrangementof the keyboard.
 15. An apparatus according to any of claims 5-14,wherein the display is a touch sensitive display for selection of agraphical symbol by tactile interaction with the field containing thesymbol.
 16. An apparatus according to any of claims 5-15, wherein theselector comprises a moveable cursor that is displayed on the displayscreen, a cursor controller for manually controlling the position of thecursor on the display screen, and a click actuator for selection of thesymbol at the current cursor position.
 17. An apparatus according toclaim 16, wherein symbols that upon selection result in display offields containing a new set of symbols are selected simply bypositioning of the cursor within the boundaries of the respectivefields.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein symbols thatupon selection result in display of fields containing a new set ofsymbols are selected by positioning of the cursor within a part of thearea occupied by the respective field.
 19. An apparatus according toclaim 18, wherein the part of the area occupied by the respective fieldis positioned outside a polygon, such as an octagon, that is larger thanand covers a selectable field of the arrangement.
 20. An apparatusaccording to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a soundgenerator for generation of a specific sound upon actuation of acorresponding actuator to provide feedback to the user of the apparatusof the actual actuation.
 21. An apparatus according to any of claims16-20, wherein the cursor controller comprises a key for movement of thecursor one step in a specific direction in the matrix arrangement. 22.An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the key has a plurality ofpressure sensitive regions for individual selection of the desireddirection of cursor movement.
 23. An apparatus according to claim 21 or22, further comprising 8 separate logic keys for moving the cursor onestep to the “east”, “south-east”, “south”, “south-west”, “west”,“north-west”, “north”, and “north-east” respectively in the matrixarrangement.
 24. An apparatus according to any of claims 15-23, whereinthe moveable cursor, immediately upon selection of a symbol, isrepositioned at a centre of the arrangement of the displayed set ofsymbols.
 25. An apparatus according to any of claims 15-23, wherein themoveable cursor, immediately upon selection of a symbol, is maintainedat the same relative position in the arrangement of the displayed set ofgraphical symbols as the position of the selected symbol in thearrangement of the previously displayed set of symbols.
 26. An apparatusaccording to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an inputactuator for re-allocating the fields containing the first graphicalsymbols to the respective input actuators.
 27. An apparatus according toany of the preceding claims, wherein at least three consecutiveactuations of one of the input actuators with associated fieldscontaining first graphical symbols results in re-allocation of thefields containing the first graphical symbols to the respective inputactuators.
 28. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,wherein selection of an individual character results in re-allocation ofthe fields containing the first graphical symbols to the respectiveinput actuators.
 29. An apparatus according to any of the precedingclaims, wherein at least one of the fields containing graphical symbolsand associated with respective input actuators remain unchanged uponactivation of a specific input actuator.
 30. An apparatus according toany of the preceding claims, further comprising an input actuator forswitching between a first graphical symbol and a second graphical symbolin a field.
 31. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,further comprising an input actuator with an associated field containinga string of characters for selection by actuation of the actuator. 32.An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, furthercomprising an input actuator with an associated field containing astring of control characters for selection by actuation of the actuator.33. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, whereinselected characters are appended successively in a string of charactersthat are input to the apparatus.
 34. An apparatus according to claim 33,wherein the string of selected characters is displayed on the display.35. An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the string is displayedupon selection of a character.
 36. An apparatus according to claim 34 or35, wherein the display may alternate between displaying the string ofselected characters and the fields containing graphical symbols.
 37. Anapparatus according to any of claims 34-36, further comprising an editcursor within the string of selected characters.
 38. An apparatusaccording to claim 37, further comprising an input actuator with anassociated field containing a symbol of a cursor control character forcontrolling the positioning of the edit cursor in the string of selectedcharacters by actuation of the input actuator.
 39. An apparatusaccording to claim 37 or 38, the input device of the apparatuscomprising a pointing device, wherein the edit cursor is directlycontrolled by the pointing device.
 40. An apparatus according to any ofthe preceding claims that is adapted for use in a telephone.
 41. Anapparatus according to any of the preceding claims that is adapted foruse in a remote controller.
 42. An apparatus according to any of thepreceding claims that is adapted for use in a remote controller forvideo equipment.
 43. An apparatus according to any of the precedingclaims that is adapted for use in a WAP device or any kind of computeror microcomputer.
 44. A method of inputting data to an apparatus with aninput device comprising a selector for selection of characters andhaving input actuators with associated fields containing first graphicalsymbols, at least one of the first graphical symbols indicating a firstset of alphabetic characters in alphabetic order, the apparatus furthercomprising a display screen, a symbol generator for displaying thefields containing the first set of graphical symbols in an arrangementon the display screen, and a controller that is operatively connected tothe symbol generator and the selector, the method comprising the stepsof: actuation of an input actuator with an associated field containing asymbol indicating a first set of alphabetic characters in alphabeticorder, and allocation of each of the alphabetic characters in the firstset of alphabetic characters to a specific input actuator so thatactuation of that input actuator results in selection of the allocatedalphabetic character, the steps being performed in such a way that auser is guided by the apparatus during selection of an alphabeticcharacter, and in such a way that selection of a specific alphabeticcharacter is sufficiently simple to allow a user to memorise theselection procedure.
 45. A method according to claim 44, furthercomprising a sound generator for generation of a specific sound uponactuation of a corresponding actuator.
 46. A method according to claim44 or 45, wherein the selector comprises a keyboard with keysconstituting the input actuators.
 47. A method according to claim 46,wherein the first graphical symbols are printed on the respective keys.48. A method according to any of claims 44-47, further comprising thesteps of displaying the fields containing the first set of graphicalsymbols in an arrangement on the display screen, displaying a second setof graphical symbols in the fields in response to actuation of anactuator with an associated field with a symbol that indicates a firstset of alphabetic characters in alphabetic order, the second set ofgraphical symbols comprising graphical symbols corresponding to therespective characters of the first set of alphabetic characters.
 49. Amethod according to claim 48, wherein the fields containing the firstset of graphical symbols are displayed upon actuation of a specificactuator.
 50. A method according to claim 48 or 49, wherein at least onesecond symbol of the second set of symbols indicates a second set ofalphabetic characters in alphabetic order and further comprising thestep of displaying graphical symbols in the fields corresponding to therespective characters of the second set of alphabetic characters inresponse to actuation of the actuator with the associated fieldcontaining the at least one second symbol.
 51. A method according toclaim 50, wherein the second set of alphabetic characters is a caseshifted version of the first set of alphabetic characters of theselected first symbol.
 52. A method according to claim 51, wherein thesecond symbol is displayed at the same relative position in thearrangement as the selected first symbol.
 53. A method according to anyof claims 48-52, wherein the arrangement constitutes a 3 by 3 matrix.54. A method according to any of claims 48-53 as dependant on claims 46or 47, wherein the arrangement of displayed symbols corresponds to a keymatrix arrangement of the keyboard.
 55. A method according to any ofclaims 44-54, further comprising the steps of displaying a moveablecursor on the display screen, manually controlling the position of thecursor on the display screen, and selecting the symbol at the currentcursor position.
 56. A method according to claim 55, wherein symbolsthat upon selection result in display of fields containing a new set ofsymbols are selected simply by positioning of the cursor within theboundaries of the respective fields.
 57. A method according to claim 56,wherein symbols that upon selection result in display of fieldscontaining a new set of symbols are selected by positioning of thecursor within a part of the area occupied by the respective field.
 58. Amethod according to claim 57, wherein the part of the area occupied bythe respective field is positioned outside a polygon, such as anoctagon, that is larger than and covers a centre field of thearrangement.
 59. A method according to any of claims 44-58, furthercomprising a sound generator for generation of a specific sound uponactuation of a specific actuator.
 60. A method according to any ofclaims 55-59, further comprising the step of moving the cursor one stepin a specific direction in the matrix arrangement using a key.
 61. Amethod according to claim 60, wherein the key has a plurality ofpressure sensitive regions for individual selection of the desireddirection of cursor movement.
 62. A method according to claim 60 or 61,further comprising the step of moving the cursor one step to the “east”,“south-east”, “south”, “south-west”, “west”, “north-west”, “north”, and“north-east” in the matrix arrangement using eight separate respectivekeys.
 63. A method according to any of claims 55-62, further comprisingthe step of repositioning the moveable cursor, immediately uponselection of a symbol, at a centre of the arrangement of the displayedset of symbols.
 64. A method according to any of claims 55-62, furthercomprising the step of maintaining the moveable cursor, immediately uponselection of a symbol, at the same relative position in the arrangementof the displayed set of graphical symbols as the position of theselected symbol in the arrangement of the previously displayed set ofsymbols.
 65. A method according to any of claims 44-64, furthercomprising the step of re-allocating the fields containing the firstgraphical symbols to the respective input actuators upon actuation of aspecific input actuator.
 66. A method according to any of claims 44-65,further comprising the step of re-allocation of the fields containingthe first graphical symbols to the respective input actuators upon threeconsecutive actuations of one of the input actuators with associatedfields containing first graphical symbols.
 67. A method according to anyof claims 44-66, further comprising the step of re-allocation of thefields containing the first graphical symbols to the respective inputactuators upon selection of an individual character.
 68. A methodaccording to any of claims 44-67, wherein at least one of the fieldscontaining graphical symbols and associated with respective inputactuators remain unchanged upon activation of a specific input actuator.69. A method according to any of claims 44-68, further comprising thestep of switching between a first graphical symbol and a secondgraphical symbol in a field upon actuation of a input actuator.
 70. Amethod according to any of claims 44-69, further comprising the step ofdisplaying a field containing a string of characters for selection. 71.A method according to any of claims 44-70, further comprising the stepof displaying a field containing a string of control characters forselection.
 72. A method according to any of claims 44-71, furthercomprising the step of appending selected characters successively in astring of characters that are input to the apparatus.
 73. A methodaccording to claim 72 as dependant on any of claims 48-71, furthercomprising the step of displaying the string of selected characters onthe display.
 74. A method according to claim 73, wherein the string isdisplayed upon selection of a character.
 75. A method according to claim73 or 74, wherein the display may alternate between displaying thestring of selected characters and the fields containing graphicalsymbols.
 76. A method according to any of claims 73-75, furthercomprising the step of displaying an edit cursor within the string ofselected characters.
 77. A method according to claim 76, furthercomprising the step of displaying a field containing a symbol of acursor control character for controlling the positioning of the editcursor in the string of selected characters.
 78. An apparatus with aninput device comprising a selector for selection of characters andhaving input actuators with associated fields containing graphicalsymbols, the apparatus further comprising a display screen and a symbolgenerator for displaying the fields containing the first set ofgraphical symbols in an arrangement on the display screen characterisedin that the display is positioned on a first surface of the apparatus,and the selector is positioned on a second surface of the apparatus,said second surface being arranged opposite said first surface.
 79. Anapparatus according to claim 78, wherein the selector comprises a touchsensitive device.
 80. An apparatus according to claim 78 or 79, whereinthe selector comprises a number of keys.
 81. An apparatus according toany of claims 78-80, wherein a cursor is displayed on the display, saidcursor indicating the operations performed by means of the selector. 82.An apparatus according to any of claims 78-81, wherein at least thedisplay and the selector are made from a transparent material.
 83. Anapparatus according to any of claims 78-82 that is adapted for use in ahand held device.
 84. An apparatus according to any of claims 78-83 thatis adapted for use in a mobile phone.
 85. An apparatus according to anyof claims 78-83 that is adapted for use in a remote controller.